Hair Roller

ABSTRACT

A hair roller includes a plurality of spaced apart outwardly convex sections separated from one another by a plurality of outwardly concave sections. Openings are formed through at least the convex sections to facilitate a flow of air. Retainers can be provided for urging the hair into the outwardly concave section of the roller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention relates to a hair roller that can be used to style hair.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hair rollers have been used for many years to style hair. The typical hair roller is a hollow tube with an outer cylindrical convex surface. The hair generally is washed and may be treated with a hair care solution prior to using the roller. The moist hair then is wound around the roller, and the wound array of hair is clipped to the roller while the roller is relatively close to the scalp of the person whose hair is being styled. The attachment between the roller and the hair can be achieved with a hair pin, a bobby pin, a spring actuated clip or an elastic member. Some prior art rollers have the spring actuated clip hinged to one longitudinal end of the roller and biased towards the roller. Other prior art rollers have an elastic member attached at one longitudinal end of the roller. The elastic member may be stretched over the wound hair and secured to the opposite end of the roller. The rolled hair is dried either naturally or with the benefit of a flow of warm dry hair. The rollers are removed after the hair has been dried, and the dried hair will retain a curled resiliency due to the washing, rolling and drying procedure.

Hair rollers are available in many sizes and shapes, and an appropriately dimensioned roller is selected in accordance with the length of the persons hair and the desired hair styling effect. Additionally, the hairstyle will be determined at least partly by the way the rollers are aligned on the person's head and relative to one another.

A hair roller should be formed from a material and in a manner to permit an efficient flow of air adjacent the hair to permit proper and uniform drying. Many older hair rollers were formed with a helical coil and a mesh-like fabric mounted over the helical coil. The coil would provide the structural support for the roller, while the mesh-like fabric would permit a flow of drying air in proximity to the hair wound onto the roller. More recently, hair rollers have been formed from hollow plastic tubes with slots or other openings to accommodate a flow of air. Tubular plastic rollers generally are less expensive than other configurations of rollers. However, many tubular rollers do not provide adequate hair flow in proximity to the hair wound onto the roller. Additionally, most prior art rollers do not permit significant variations in the rolling of the hair onto the roller. Thus, the hair merely is wound around the cylindrical outer surface of the roller.

In view of the above, it is an object of the subject invention to provide a hair roller that permits more efficient flow of drying air in proximity to the hair wound onto the roller.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hair roller that permits a lotion or other hair care solution to be applied uniformly to the hair after the hair has been wound onto the roller.

A further object of the subject invention is to provide a hair roller that permits a plurality of different arrangements of the hair on the roller to significantly increase the hair styling options.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates to a generally tubular hair roller with opposite first and second longitudinal ends and a non-cylindrical tubular wall extending between the ends. The non-cylindrical tubular wall of the roller includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced convex hair support sections and a plurality of circumferentially spaced concave sections that extend between and join the convex sections. Each of the convex sections preferably is an arc section of a cylinder, and may define arc sections of a single cylinder generated about a single central axis of the roller. Each of the concave sections of the roller may be cylindrically generated about axes that extend parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the roller. The roller preferably has between three and six convex sections and an equal number of concave sections. The spacing between adjacent convex sections of the roller preferably is about the same as the circumferential extent of each convex section. Additionally, the convex sections preferably are substantially identical to one another and each of the concave sections preferably are substantially identical to one another. As a result, the effect of the roller on the hair will not be determined by the rotational orientation of the roller relative to the hair.

Each of the convex sections of the roller preferably has a plurality of openings to facilitate a flow of air into and around the hair supported on the convex sections. The openings may include circular apertures, oval apertures, elongate slots aligned parallel to the axis of the roller or slots aligned at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the roller. The slots formed in the convex sections of the roller can be linear or non-linear and the openings can include a combination of circular apertures and elongate slots. The concave sections of the roller also can include a plurality of openings, and the openings in the concave sections can be circular apertures, oval apertures and/or slots.

The roller preferably includes fasteners for fastening the hair in position on the roller. The fasteners may include one or more elongate sections of a cylinder configured to nest with one or more of the convex or concave sections of the roller. In this regard, fasteners can be used merely to support the hair on the convex sections of the roller so that the hair bridges the respective concave sections of the roller. Alternatively, fasteners can be used to urge the hair into the concave sections of the roller. With this optional configuration, the fasteners can be used to achieve a more intricate pattern of waves in the hair than could be achieved by merely winding the hair around a continuous convex surface. The fasteners preferably are formed with a plurality of openings to permit a flow of drying air into and around parts of the hair held by the fastener.

The fasteners may be held in place by tabs formed on the roller. For example, tabs with resilient projections can be mounted to the concave and/or convex regions of the roller and the fasteners may be formed with openings for releasably engaging the tabs. The tabs preferably are provided at the opposed longitudinal ends of the roller so that the hair may be wound in position between the tabs without a significant effect on the ability of the tabs or the roller to perform their respective functions. In an alternate embodiment, each retainer may be formed with chips for releasably engaging the ends of the roller.

The roller of the subject invention preferably is formed by extrusion. The extrusion is carried out to define the above-referenced convex and concave sections of the roller. The elongate extruded structure then may be cut at longitudinally spaced positions to provide the rollers of selected lengths. The openings in the convex and concave sections of the roller can be formed after the roller has been extruded and either before or after the extruded roller has been cut into sections of appropriate length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roller in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the roller shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a roller in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the roller shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a roller in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the roller shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a roller in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a retainer that can be used with the roller of FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the retainer of FIG. 12 mounted in one of the concave regions on the roller of FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 13, but showing two stacked retainers secured in a concave region for securing a plurality of layers of hair wound around the roller.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a roller in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the retainer of FIG. 12 mounted in a concave region of the roller shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 18 shows two retainers in a stacked array in a concave region of the roller of FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIGS. 19-21 are elevational views of alternate retainers.

FIG. 22 shows the retainers secured to the roller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A roller in accordance with a first embodiment of the subject invention is identified generally by the numeral 10 in FIGS. 1-3. The roller 10 is an elongate tubular member with opposite first and second longitudinal ends 12 and 14. The ends 12 and 14 are spaced from one another by a distance L that may vary depending upon the intended styling to be achieved by the roller. In a typical embodiment, the length L will be between 70-80 mm. The roller 10 preferably is formed by extruding the plastic into an elongate tube and then cutting the extruded tube into rollers of appropriate length L. The extrusion preferably is carried out to provide a wall thickness T in the range of 1.0-1.5 mm.

The roller 10 of FIGS. 1-3 is characterized by four convex sections 16 each of which extends continuously from the first end 12 to the second end 14 of the roller 10. The convex sections 16 define substantially equal arcs of a cylinder generated about a common longitudinal axis that extends symmetrically through the roller 10. The cylinder defined by the convex sections 16 has an outside diameter D of about 70-80 mm and preferably about 77 mm. Each convex section extends through an arc of approximately 45°. Adjacent convex sections 16 preferably are spaced from one another by approximately the same circumferential extent of each convex section 16. Thus, adjacent convex sections 16 preferably are spaced from one another by approximately 45°. The overall outside diameter D of the roller, as defined by the convex sections 16, will vary depending upon the intended use of the roller. In a typical embodiment, the roller will have an outside diameter D in the range of 70-80 mm. The roller 10 further includes four concave sections 18 that extend continuously from the first end 12 to the second end 14 of the roller 10. Each concave section 18 of the roller 10 defines a section of a cylinder with a radius R of about 12-13 mm, and each is generated about a central axis that extends parallel to the axis about which the convex section 16 are generated. The convex sections 16 and the concave sections 18 each are provided with a plurality of openings 20. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, each opening 20 is a circular aperture with a cross-sectional dimension that preferably is in the range of 4-6 mm.

A second embodiment of a roller in accordance with the subject invention is identified by the numeral 10A in FIGS. 4-6. The roller 10A is structurally and functionally very similar to the roller 10 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. In this regard, the roller 10A includes opposite first and second longitudinal ends 12A and 14A. The roller 10A, however, differs from the roller 10 of the first embodiment in that five convex sections 16A and five concave sections 18A are formed on the roller 10A. As in the first embodiment, the convex sections 16A extend through substantially equal cylindrical arc sections about a common axis and are separated from one another by substantially equal distances corresponding to the circumferential extent of each convex section 16A. Accordingly, each convex section 16A extends through a cylindrical arc of approximately 36° and adjacent convex sections 16A are spaced from one another by an angular arc of about 36°. As in the first embodiment, each concave section 18A of the roller 10A defines an arc of a cylinder and the cylindrically generated concave sections 18A are concentric about axes that extend parallel to the central axis of the roller 10A. However, the concave sections 18A each define a slightly smaller radius of about 9-11 mm. The roller 10A differs from the roller 10 with respect to the arrangement of openings 20A therein. In this regard, the roller 20 includes a plurality of elongate openings 20A in addition to the generally circular apertures.

A third embodiment of a roller in accordance with the invention is identified by the numeral 10B in FIGS. 7-9. The roller 10B has a total of six convex sections 16B each of which defines an arc of a cylinder. The convex sections 16B are generated about a common longitudinal axis for the roller 10B and extend through substantially equal arcs. Furthermore, the convex section 16B are separated from one another by substantially equal circumferential distances. As a result, each convex section 16B of the roller 10B extends through a circumferential arc of about 30°, and adjacent convex sections 16B are spaced from one another by approximately 30°. Concave sections 18B extend between the convex sections 16B and each defines a cylinder with a radius of about 9-11 mm. Openings 20B extend longitudinally through the convex sections 16B and the concave sections 18B.

Any of the rollers 10, 10A and 10B can be employed by merely wrapping hair around the outer surfaces of the respective convex sections 16, 16A, 16B. The concave sections 18, 18A and 18B will be spaced from the wound hair, thereby providing very good air circulation in proximity to the hair and achieving efficient drying. Hair can be clipped to one or more of the convex section 16, 16A, 16B by conventional clips, such as a hair pin, bobby pin or spring biased clip. However, variations of the rollers described and illustrated above can be used for enhanced hair styling effects by urging the hair into the concave sections of the roller. In this regard, a roller in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention is identified generally by the numeral 10C in FIGS. 10-12. The roller 10C is structurally and functionally very similar to the rollers of the first three embodiments. In this regard, the roller 10C includes a plurality of convex sections 16C separated from one another by a corresponding plurality of concave sections 18C. However, the roller 10C is provided with tabs 22C in the respective concave sections 18C. The tabs 22C can be formed integrally or unitarily with the roller 10C. However, a unitary formation of the tabs 22C could complicate the preferred extrusion process. As a result, the tabs 22C preferably are formed as separate members that may be force fit into apertures formed in the respective concave regions 18C. Preferably, one tab 22C is provided at each longitudinal end of each concave section 18C. The tabs 22C include a plurality of resiliently deflectable projections that function as pawls similar to the pawls provided on a wire wrap.

The roller 10C is used with a plurality of retainers 24C. The retainers 24C are elongate cylindrical arc sections dimensioned to nest into one of the concave sections 18C for urging the hair inwardly towards the depth of the concave section 18C. Each retainer has at least one opening to facilitate airflow in and around parts of the hair in the concave region 18C. Additionally, each retainer 24C is disposed and configured for releasable retention with a part of one of the tabs 22C that projects from the concave section 18C. Plural retainers 24C may be required depending upon the length of the hair and the diameter of the roller 10C. As a result, an inner retainer 24C can be used to urge the hair inwardly against the concave section 18C of the roller 10C and outer retainer 24C can be used to urge the next layer of hair inwardly against the inner retainer 24C. The outer retainer 24C can also be snapped into engagement with portions of the tabs 22C that project beyond the inner retainer 24C. This use of a plurality of retainers 24C is illustrated in FIG. 14.

The tabs 24C shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 14 are only one possible configuration for such tabs. In this regard, FIGS. 15, 16 and 18 show a fifth embodiment of a roller 10D with elongate tabs 22D projecting from the respective concave sections 18D. The roller 10D is used with the retainer 24D as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Although the tabs 22D and the retainers 24D of FIGS. 17 and 18 are configured slightly differently from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-14, the function and use are substantially identical.

FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 show retainers 24A1, 24A2 and 24A3 intended for use with the roller 10A shown in FIGS. 4-6. The retainers 24A1, 24A2 and 24A3 differ from the retainers 24D and 24E illustrated above in that they do not require tabs comparable to the tabs 22D or 22E described and illustrated above. Rather, the retainers 24A1, 24A2 and 24A3 each have clips 26A formed unitarily with the respective retainers 24A1, 24A2 and 24A3 at the opposite longitudinal ends. The clips 26A are configured for snapped engagement with portions of the roller 10A at the opposite longitudinal ends 12A and 14A. The retainers 24A1, 24A2, 24A3 differ from one another with respect to their width dimensions and the positioning of the clips. The width dimensions of the respective retainers 24A1, 24A2 and 24A3 are dimensioned to permit a nesting of the retainers as shown most clearly in FIG. 22. Additionally, the clips 26A are offset sufficiently from one another to avoid interference when the retainers 24A1, 24A2, 24A3 are used simultaneously in the stacked arrangement shown in FIG. 2.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is apparent that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

As an example, the lengths and diameters of the rollers can vary significantly from the typical embodiment described and illustrated above.

The rollers are described as being extruded into tubular shapes with the specified cross-section, cut to appropriate lengths and then formed to include the air circulation openings. Alternatively, the rollers can be molded into a tubular shape or the rollers can be extruded in a flat shape and then formed into the tubular shape.

The specific arrangement of openings shown in the figures are only a few of the many possible arrangements of openings that can be provided for achieving proper air circulation.

The retainers can have other types of attachments to the rollers than the few optional configurations shown herein. Additionally, the retainers can be joined unitarily to one end of the roller by a living hinge, and can be connected releasably to the opposed end of the roller.

These and other variations will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after having reviewed this description and the accompanying drawings. 

1. A tubular hair roller having opposite first and second longitudinal ends and a tubular wall extending between the ends, the tubular wall including a plurality of spaced apart outwardly convex sections joined consecutively to one another by a plurality of spaced apart outwardly concave sections, a plurality of apertures extending through at least the convex sections into interior portions of the roller for facilitating a flow of air in proximity to hair wound around at least the convex sections of the roller.
 2. The roller of claim 1, wherein the convex sections define sections of a common cylinder and are generated about a common longitudinal axis extending centrally through the roller.
 3. The roller of claim 2, wherein the outwardly concave sections are cylindrically generated about axes that are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roller.
 4. The roller of claim 3, wherein the respective outwardly convex sections each extend through substantially equal circumferential arcs.
 5. The roller of claim 4, wherein the respective outwardly convex sections are spaced from one another by substantially equal circumferential distances.
 6. The roller of claim 5, wherein the circumferential extent of each of the outwardly convex sections is substantially equal to the circumferential distance between adjacent outwardly convex sections.
 7. The roller of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of retainers configured for urging hair into the respective concave sections of the roller.
 8. The roller of claim 7, wherein each of the retainers is configured for releasable engagement with the roller at the opposed longitudinal ends of the roller.
 9. The roller of claim 8, wherein the plurality of retainers comprise a plurality of retainers configured for nested disposition at radially spaced positions in the respective concave sections.
 10. The roller of claim 1, wherein the generally tubular roller is of substantially uniform thickness. 